Am I the only nurse

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We have 10 nurses but I have been asked to see Pts on my weekend off. Then work next weekend, then asked will I be home June 30 and July 1 because no one is stepping up that weekend. Then I work the following weekend.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If you don't want to work on a weekend that you're off, try saying, "I'm unavailable that weekend." If you prefer, you can also throw in "I'm sorry"...I tend to do that because I like being polite when telling them No. However you decide to phrase it, repeat PRN.

If you keep saying "Yes" to these requests to work when you're off, then in a way you can't blame them for cornering you to ask...nor can you blame the others for refusing to step up if they know that you always will. There's nothing wrong with offering to help once in a while, but step up too frequently and people will start to take it--and you--for granted.

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Specializes in none.

They have found themselves a patsy. Just say no. The nine other nurses do.

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Just say no. And don't feel guilty about it. Guilt is a wasted emotion. Let some of the other nurses step up to the plate.

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This isn't the first time you have posted about a similar complaint is it?

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Wow, that sucks. Why don't you just say no? I think I'd get burnt out pretty quickly in that situation :(

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You are right I will try to stop whining. And will try to just say no. But no one else will do it and my boss will have to and if I am not doing anything which is all the time, I feel guilty.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
You are right I will try to stop whining. And will try to just say no. But no one else will do it and my boss will have to and if I am not doing anything which is all the time, I feel guilty.

I was the same way...but don't worry, you get over the feeling fast :)

And it's also a good practice to learn to let your cell phone/answering machine screen calls for you on your days off, so you're not tempted to cave in and say Yes to the live person on the line when you really may not want to.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
you are right i will try to stop whining. and will try to just say no. but no one else will do it and my boss will have to and if i am not doing anything which is all the time, i feel guilty.

i understand your reasoning, however, others need to step up to the plate and carry their own weight. furthermore, the guilty feeling is normal at first, but it comes a time when you earn the respect of others when you simply say "no" then you won't feel like they are taking you for granted....wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors and have a great weekend... aloha~

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Specializes in retired LTC.
You are right I will try to stop whining. And will try to just say no. But no one else will do it and my boss will have to and if I am not doing anything which is all the time, I feel guilty.
That's why bosses get paid more!!!

You are being taken advantage of by others and your boss. Good suggestions by the previous posters.

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